Trip
I flew to Romania from Sofia, which is really a walk in the park and lasted a net of 43 minutes. Even domestic flights in a small country take longer so I did not really have time to even feel thirsty. The air career was TAROM, the Romanian airlines.
Landed safely at Henri Coanda, the Bucharest international airport, and took a taxi from the airport to the hotel. I did not have to be careful about illegal taxis, the pricing was reasonable and the driver took me safely to the destination.
Accommodation
I stayed at a small boutique hotel, called Arc De Triomphe, called after an actual Triumphal Arc nearby.
The hotel was really nice, clean and offering all contemporary facilities. The furniture was stylish and solid, the room was rather an apartment with a separate bedroom.
Breakfast was really nice, offering a wide variety of meat, eggs, pastry, fruit and milk. As a bonus the restaurant has a panoramic terrace.
Is water drinkable?
Yes, although it is supplied from the Danube river and it is advisable to drink bottled water which is widely available and cheap.
Is it safe?
Yes, absolutely.
Vaccines?
None that would be required, yet please follow the disclaimer that it depends on where you come from and you must seek professional advice from a qualified professional.
General impressions
I have visited Bucharest on different occasions throughout a large time span, starting from 1986, and I must say that the country and its capital have marked a tremendous progress. Bucharest is now successfully competing with the rest of the European capital cities when it comes to infrastructure, architecture, public transport. I can see how people have now become happier, open and it is a real pleasure having a chat with locals on any topic.
The infrastructure is good, most of the central boulevards do have up to 6 lanes. Sidewalks are good, many of them have had the old tiles removed and are now asphalted.
One thing I could not help noticing is the large number of pharmacies. For some reason if you walk for an hour you can pass by a hundred or so, which is strange.
The downtown part of Bucharest is really beautiful and is focusing on people, offering plenty of pedestrian zones, pubs, fountains and shops.
Local legends say that "The People Palace" is the largest building in Europe. I was lucky to watch a 3D mapping show performance there and must say it really is big, occupying area similar to that of an entire suburb.
Weather
Temperate continental. During my stay in September the weather was warm and sunny with temperatures between 10 and 22 Celsius, no extreme winds.
Electrical plugs
Type C:
Type F:
I hope you find some of the above information useful.
Have a safe flight!
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